This piece was contributed by Jane Bailey, coordinator of YEP and retired CSB Business Officer.
 
Cameron School of Business hosted 35 New Hanover County high school students this summer to introduce them to the various aspects of entrepreneurship and highlight the many resources at UNCW.  The program – sponsored by Truist Bank - aims to inspire budding entrepreneurs and entice them to attend UNCW.

The YEP, or Youth Entrepreneurship Program, is coordinated by Jane Bailey, a retired Cameron Business Officer and lead by Tony Voss, a part time faculty in Cameron’s Management department. Bailey and Voss have coordinated YEP for 5 years and find it a highly gratifying experience.  Bailey says, “Everyone involved gets to watch the students grow in confidence and enthusiasm each day and it makes us feel great too.”

During the sessions the students learned interviewing skills and held mock interviews. They also had a chance to learn from guest presenters - both from CSB.  Megan Canny introduced them to some of the various business services offered at UNCW like the Cameron Executive Network, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Small Business and Technology Development Center. Jennifer McLamb presented about the importance of getting guidance from an advisor, college prep and involvement.  Jennifer brought her Woo! and several of the students joined her at their lunch hour to get more information on the topics covered during her presentation. 

Students were introduced to financial statements and customer segments. All of this learning was enhanced with team-building activities, lots of vibrant interaction, a partial tour of the campus and some sweet incentives. Motivation tip- teenagers love Sour Patch Kids.

The attendees were divided into 5 teams, and each was assigned a team moderator.  Team moderators were Dani Meyers from Cameron’s department of Management, International MBA students Natalia Korneeva and Ope Ikeujuyone and Katie Nagel Schoepf, a New Hanover middle school teacher.  

Each team was tasked to conceive a product or service, and using what they learned during the week, create business plans, elevator pitches and a video advertisement. The teams presented in front of visiting judges revealing their business plans for some very innovative products and services. The pitches included sport shoes with interchangeable soles, fishing lures made from recycled products, a pet medical video app, and a sports service that connected players and recruiters. The pitch that wowed the judges most was a wearable device and app that communicated with your car to pull over in a medical emergency and contact medical authorities. MBA student Natalia said “I would be thrilled to be part of any of these emerging companies! I have great respect for the students for their hard work and enthusiasm.”

A visit by the dean, Robert Burrus, was also one of the week’s highlights. He spoke to the class about how proud he was of their hard work and observed some of the final presentations.  

Jane and Tony would like to extend sincere thanks to all of Cameron’s faculty and staff for their support of the program.